Police: Disgruntled ex-employee threatened employer with pipe bomb

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GREENSBORO, N.C. -- A disgruntled ex-employee threatened his former employer with a "pipe bomb"on Friday, prompting police to search a dumpster near Servant’s Heart Ministry at 532 N. Regional Road and led to several nearby businesses being evacuated.

Police said Neal Joyner, who was fired from Servant’s Heart Ministry last week, threatened his employer with a "pipe bomb" inside a water bottle.

Police said the "pipe bomb" later detonated in a nearby dumpster when Joyner decided to take it outside.

Greensboro Fire received a call around 12:30 p.m. in reference to the pipe bomb. The Greensboro Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene and searched a nearby dumpster.

Several nearby businesses were evacuated while police investigated. The scene has been cleared.

Neal was arrested and is currently in custody. He is cooperating with police.

Servant’s Heart Ministry provides services to people with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses, according to their Facebook page.